Meet Carolynne

My name is Carolynne. I am 30 years old, living in Calgary, Canada! I am married to the love of my life, Peter and we have 2 beautiful daughters, Ezri and Jadzia. My favourite thing to do is watch movies while crocheting or cross stitching. I also love to cook and am always on the look out for new recipes. I am a huge Disney fan and try to visit Disneyland any chance I can! For more about me, please go here.

Elsewhere

Jun 16

Well, Peter and I are officially in the stock market. Over the past few years I have become increasingly aware that I need to start saving for retirement so that I am guaranteed not to have to work until I’m 80. Sure, I would love to have a job where I put into a pension every pay cheque, but as the years go on, it seems like I will be working at my current place of employment for life. Ugh. So I have to take means into my own hands. I have been putting into a Tax Free Savings Account for a couple years, however the interest I make is so minimal. It’s hardly noticeable. Yesterday, I spent almost 2 hours at the bank assessing my options. After discussing it with Peter, we decided to continue with a TFSA, but instead of just a savings account, We’re putting our money into mutual funds.

This is a huge step for me. I like to know where all my hard earned money goes and I hate the idea of losing any of it. However, as my mother told me, I am young and I can afford to take bigger risks now rather than when I’m 40. I knew she was right and so I took the leap.

With the new TFSA, we will be able to reassess the account every year and see what is happening with it. We also got to choose what percentage of the money goes where. For example, 30% in the Canadian market, 15% in the US market, 15% in International markets, etc. Yes, I expect to lose some money, but I know that I will also earn money. That’s the way the market is. It goes up and down. I keep thinking about the market crash of 2008. The people who are still suffering today are the ones who pulled out right when they lost thousands of dollars. I know some people who stayed in and have now made more money than they lost. I just have to keep that in mind. Also, I will be hoping for the best lol. But we do have to be smart about it.

Sorry for such a boring post about money, but like I said, this is a milestone for me. 🙂 Here’s to hoping I can retire at 65 and live off the Canadian Pension Plan and whatever money is in our TFSA!